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Home » Desserts

November 1, 2020

Aish El Saraya- Rose Water Bread Pudding

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Let me take you across the glob on a Middle Eastern adventure! Allow the Lebanese to capture your heart with an authentic Middle Eastern dessert: Aish El-Saraya-Rose Water Bread Pudding!

Also known as the Egyptian palace bread, this Rose Water Bread Pudding recipe is aromatic and covered with sweet cream knows as Ashta! My recipe is the Lebanese take on this eat-every-last-bite dessert, and trust me when I say that you won’t regret trying it.

The caramelized-sugar-syrup-drenched toast combined with creamy Ashta and topped with some toasted almond slivers or pistachios is not a taste-blend you can forget. Make it as a showstopper for special occasions and prepare to be the talk of the party!


Lebanese Rose Water Bread Pudding!

Middle Eastern dessert consisting of fragrant scented sweetened breadcrumbs, topped with a cream referred to as ashta (Sort of like an Arabic clotted cream) and garnished with pistachios.
Top your bread pudding with some toasted nuts and ground pistachios for added flavor and crunch!

This dessert had a constant presence on our desserts rotation. My mom made it often when I was younger, and she made it good! I simply tweaked her recipe and gave it that extra kick! And just to reassure you, my mom definitely approves of my Aish El Saraya recipe!

This Middle Eastern dessert is full of soothing sweet flavors, light clotted cream (Ashta), and a whole lot of love! It is just one of those recipes where the comfort of our ancestors’ history and traditions is hidden beneath creamy bites!


What is Aish El Saraya?

Aish El Saraya is a Middle Eastern dessert mainly found in the Levantine. The name literally translates to “palace bread” so it is a dessert fitting kings, you know? The syrup-soaked breadcrumbs with clotted cream and various toppings makes it a widely enjoyed dessert especially during Ramadan!

One of the main ingredients of this pudding dish is rose water. It has a unique flavor, so describing it simply as sweet wouldn’t do it any justice. But I will say it loud and proud! It gives this special dish a depth that no other essence or syrup can.

Also, a powerhouse ingredient of this yummy dessert is Ashta! Also known as kashta or clotted cream is a recurring theme in many of my desserts because it is just that good! Plus, a lot of middle eastern recipes call for this delicious sweet cream! Remember, Ashta is super versatile in its uses and adds that dense creaminess that some desserts need.


A Dessert Fitting a king!

Middle Eastern dessert consisting of fragrant scented sweetened breadcrumbs, topped with a cream referred to as ashta (Sort of like an Arabic clotted cream) and garnished with pistachios.
Look at that brown color on the toast! Perfectly caramelized sugar gives it that beautiful color.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

There are countless of reasons that make this recipe simply irresistible!

First, this Rose Water Bread Pudding uses caramelized sugar to create the syrup, whereas other variations are made with regular rose water syrup which is usually transparent or a little yellowish.

In addition, there are two layers of toast in this variation making the bread an integral part of the dish, contrary to other takes on this dish.

Finally, the creamy Ashta on the backdrop of the sweet soaked toast is music to the taste buds! the Ashta recipe used in this dish is totally bomb!


Recipe Variations You Might Consider

Although according to my Instagram friends, this recipe is bound to steal hearts and taste buds all on its own, I do know a few variations that you might consider trying.

Make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the white bread for a smooth gluten-free bread.

Also, consider dabbling with the flavors if your feel like your Ashta needs a touch of fruity flavors. Add some purée strawberries or lemon zest to your Ashta cream for a tropical kick.

Finally, you might want to play around with the toppings. This dessert is usually served with layers of pistachios and toasted nuts, but you can get creative and serve this dessert with dried or fresh fruits, caramel drizzle, or chocolate shavings.


Give This Middle Eastern Delicacy a Try!

Middle Eastern dessert consisting of fragrant scented sweetened breadcrumbs, topped with a cream referred to as ashta (Sort of like an Arabic clotted cream) and garnished with pistachios.
Ashta Saraya can be beautifully presented and enjoyable to the max!

Tips for The Best Results

Tip 1: Use regular sized toast. If you used thicker sized toast, then make sure you use more syrup to drench it. You want the bread to be soaked and soft versus tough and dry.

Tip 2: It is important to leave the bread to cool down for about 10 minutes before spreading the Ashta on top.

Tip 3: If you are craving some extra sweetness, then you might want to add some orange blossom water, vanilla extract, or vanilla beans.


Frequently Asked Questions

How long will the pudding last?

The pudding can last you for 2-3 days if properly stored in the fridge.

Is it better to use thick or thin bread?

You can use both. If you use thick bread, make sure you use enough syrup to fully coat the bread. If you use thin bread, then put a second layer to soak the syrup

Can I serve it right away?

I would recommend chilling the dessert for about four hours before serving. This would allow the flavors to properly sit in for your maximum enjoyment.


Top It with Pistachios, Roasted Nuts, Or Dried Fruits!

Middle Eastern dessert consisting of fragrant scented sweetened breadcrumbs, topped with a cream referred to as ashta (Sort of like an Arabic clotted cream) and garnished with pistachios.
That thick layer of syrup-soaked toast is what gives this bread pudding its sweet flavor!

The Ingredients You Need

  • white toast
  • sugar
  • water
  • rose water
  • Galbani ricotta cheese
  • whole milk or heavy cream 
  • corn starch
  • cane sugar

Follow These Easy Steps

Start by making your Sweet Clotted Cream-Ashta

Bread Pudding Instructions

First, cut the edges around the toast. Lay the toast on a large baking sheet, then broil on both sides until golden brown. Remove then place in a 9×13 baking dish stacking them into 2 layers.

Meanwhile, add the sugar to a medium-size pot on high heat and whisk until sugar has melted and browned into a caramel color. 

Next, Remove the pot off of stove top. Move away from the pot and gently pour in 2 cups of room temperature water. The sugar will harden. 

Be careful while pouring and be sure to move back since the sugar will bubble. Add rosewater, then place the pot back onto the stove top and whisk over high heat until the sugar has melted again.  

Then, pour the sugar syrup over the layered toast making sure they are all soaked. Bake at 350° for 15 minutes, Then broil on low for 10. 

Remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 10 minutes. Spread a thick layer of Ashta and garnish with ground pistachios and toasted nuts.    


Other Recipes You May Want To Try

  • Middle Eastern Pancakes (Atayif)
  • Lebanese Maamoul Cookies
  • Halawet EL Riz- Rice and Cheese Cream
  • Osmaliyi Dessert With Ashta
  • Simple Syrup (Ater)
  • Easy Knafeh With Mozzarella Cheese
  • Low Carb Turmeric Cake-Sfoof
  • Halawet El Riz-Rice And Cheese Cream
  • Date Biscuit Nut Bars
  • Ashtello-Panna Cotta

Aish El Saraya- Rose Water Bread Pudding

Lama
Devour every bite of this Lebanese-style bread pudding soaked in caramelized rose water syrup and topped generously with ashta ~ sweet cream! Enjoy this dessert fresh or cooled with your favorite cup of tea or coffee!
5 from 6 votes
Print Recipe Comment Pin Recipe
Total Time 5 hrs
Course Dessert, middle eatern dessert, sweets
Cuisine Mediterranean, Middle Eastern

Ingredients
  

Bread Pudding Ingredients

  • 10 slices white toast
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 3 cups water
  • 3 tablespoon rose water

Instructions
 

Sweet Cream -Ashta Recipe

    Bread Pudding Instructions

    • Cut the edges around the toast. Lay the toast on a large baking sheet, then broil on both sides until golden brown. Remove then place in a 9×13 baking dish stacking them into 2 layers. 
    • Meanwhile, add the sugar to a medium-size pot.  High heat and whisk until sugar has melted and browned into a caramel color. 
    • Remove the pot off of stove top. Move away from the pot and gently pour in 2 cups of room temperature water. The sugar will harden. 
    • Be careful while pouring and be sure to move back since the sugar will bubble.  Add rosewater and place the pot back onto the stove top and whisk over high heat until the sugar has melted again
    • Pour the sugar syrup over the layered toast making sure they are all soaked.  Bake at 350° for 15 minutes, Then broil on low for 10. 
    • Remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 10 minutes. 
    • Spread a thick layer of Ashta, and garnish with ground pistachios and toasted nuts.
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Eva Bazzi says

      November 24, 2020 at 11:42 pm

      5 stars
      This is amazing!!! My husband who doesn’t usually like dessert looks forward to this when I make it! It’s on the menu for Thanksgiving dessert this year! Perfect balance of sweetness. A Must try!

      Reply
      • Tastegreatfoodie says

        November 25, 2020 at 12:05 am

        Eva! This is a wonderful dessert to make for Thanksgiving indeed! Thank you so much for letting me know how much you and your husband enjoy it!! ❤️

        Reply
    2. Zahraa says

      November 28, 2020 at 6:13 am

      5 stars
      Easy to follow recipe. So yummy

      Reply
      • Tastegreatfoodie says

        November 28, 2020 at 3:37 pm

        So glad to hear that thank you for leaving a review!!

        Reply
    3. Lara Audi says

      November 28, 2020 at 2:49 pm

      5 stars
      Recipe is very easy to follow and the taste is phenomenal!

      Reply
      • Tastegreatfoodie says

        November 28, 2020 at 3:36 pm

        Thank you Lara!! So happy to hear you enjoyed this dessert ❤️

        Reply
    4. Wala says

      November 28, 2020 at 5:09 pm

      5 stars
      Oh my God! I’ve made many 3aysh el saraya recipes before but this one has been my official go to. Yes it is worth it to caramelize the sugar! Love love love!

      Reply
      • Tastegreatfoodie says

        November 28, 2020 at 5:23 pm

        So happy to hear how much you enjoy this recipe!! And yes!! To caramelize makes a big difference:)

        Reply
    5. Sana says

      August 12, 2021 at 8:58 am

      5 stars
      My friends came over today so i made this Aish El-Saraya recipe. Every one loved it! Thanks!

      Reply
      • Lama says

        August 16, 2021 at 2:38 pm

        Yay! This is a favorite of mine!

        Reply
    6. Joanna says

      August 30, 2021 at 4:42 pm

      5 stars
      Yummy!!! I loved everything about this pudding. This has been in my to-do list for a long time and I am glad i made it today.
      Thanks a bunch

      Reply

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    I'm Lama, welcome to my blog where you will find simple and diverse recipes your entire family will enjoy. My passion for cooking began after I got married when I challenged myself to prepare Thanksgiving dinner. With the help of my mom over the phone, I was so proud it turned out successful! Today, I share my passion across many social platforms like Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest! I am honored to connect with you through the recipes I prepare! about me!

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